To Whine vs Whining Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To whine (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to whine" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I refuse to whine about the situation and instead focus on finding a solution.

Whining (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "whining" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Whining about your troubles won't make them go away.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To whine (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To whine is not productive.

  To whine is not productive.

  • "*To whine*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (not productive).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to whine to the manager.

  She wants me to whine to the manager.

  • "Me *to whine* to the manager" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to whine* to the manager).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a friend to whine to.

  I need a friend to whine to.

  • "*To whine* to" modifies the noun "friend."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a friend *to whine* to).

Whining (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Whining is annoying to others.

  Whining is annoying to others.

  • "*Whining*" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (annoying to others).
• 2. Object

  I can't stand his constant whining.

  I can't stand his constant whining.

  • "His constant *whining*" is the object of the verb phrase "can't stand."
  • Noun (I) + verb phrase (can't stand) + possessive pronoun (his) + adjective (*whining*).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a habit of whining about everything.

  She has a habit of whining about everything.

  • "Of *whining* about everything" is the object of the preposition "of."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a habit of *whining* about everything).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

• refuse
• choose
• pretend
• demand
• wish

Example

They refuse to whine about their problems.

He chooses to whine instead of taking action.

She pretends to whine to get attention.

We demand to whine about the unfair treatment.

I wish to whine would solve my issues.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• imagine
• discuss

Example

He avoids whining in public places.

They are considering whining to their boss about the issue.

Experts recommend whining as a form of catharsis.

Can you imagine her whining during the entire trip?

Let's discuss the impact of constant whining on relationships.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• begin
• continue

Example

I don't like to whine about small things. I don't like whining about small things.

She began to whine as soon as she got home. She began whining as soon as she got home.

They continue to whine despite the solutions offered. They continue whining despite the solutions offered.